Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 38, September 20, 2024
a) Introduction
When shelter care admission procedures are completed, children
must be assigned appropriate quarters. Every child has a right to live in a
homelike atmosphere where individual needs can be met.
b) Minimum Standards
1) Sleeping Rooms
A maximum of four children shall be assigned to any multiple
occupancy sleeping room.
A) A minimum
of 60 square feet of floor space per bed shall be provided in multiple
occupancy rooms. Beds shall be at least three feet apart.
B) Bunk-type beds are prohibited.
C) Single occupancy rooms must have at least
60 square feet of floor space.
2) Room Equipment
Children housed in individual or multiple occupancy rooms shall
be provided with:
A) A comfortable bed.
Each child shall sleep one to a bed.
B) A closet for storage of clothing and
personal items.
C) A desk or locker
capable of being locked in order to secure personal items. If an item of
furniture is provided which can be locked, a table may be substituted for a
desk.
D) A lamp and
chair.
E) Illumination to ensure a
comfortable reading level (30 foot-candles at desk level).
F) A night light.
G) A shelf for storage of toiletry items or
other articles.
H) A rack or hook
to hang towels/washcloths.
3) Room Level
Rooms shall be located above ground level.
4) Living Area
A living area containing no less than 30 square feet per child
must be provided for each age group.
A)
Each living area shall be equipped with tables and chairs. Seating shall be
provided for each child.
B) A radio
and television shall be provided.
C) A bulletin board shall be
provided.
D) A cold water drinking
fountain shall be provided.
E) One
toilet for each six occupants shall be provided.
F) One shower head or tub for each six
occupants shall be provided. Water for showers shall be thermostatically
regulated.
G) One washbasin with
piped hot and cold water for each six occupants shall be provided.
H) Each washbasin shall be provided with a
mirror.
5) Dangerous
Conditions
Any condition constituting potential for injury must be
corrected, e.g., frayed electrical cords must be replaced.
6) Door Hardware
Doors on sleeping rooms, wash rooms, and toilet rooms shall not
be equipped with a lock.
7)
Toilet Stalls
Toilet stalls shall be provided with privacy panels and
doors.
8) Heating and
Ventilation
The building must be comfortably heated and cooled according to
the season.
9) Variances
Variances connected with physical requirements may be granted
by the Director of the Department for existing facilities. Variance expiration
dates will be determined at the time granted. Variance requests of an
administrative nature will not be granted. In determining whether to grant a
variance, the Department will consider, among other factors, the nature of the
standard, previous noncompliance, the cost, the population, the alternative
means of complying with the intent of the standard, the length of time
requested for the variance, the consequences if the variance is not granted,
and the safety and security of the facility or individuals.
A) The variance request must be in writing
and pertain to a specific standard. The request must describe the reasons for
the variance; the period of time for the variance; any hardship the facility
might experience by complying with the standard; plans to be implemented to
eventually comply with the particular standard; and a statement that the
variance would not adversely affect the health and safety of children. All
these criteria will be considered in arriving at a decision.
B) The approval or denial of a variance
request will be returned by letter to the requesting governmental
agency.
C) The Director of the
Department, at his discretion, may grant a renewal of the variance provided
documentation is received from the governing body which indicates a good faith
effort on their part to effect necessary actions to comply with the standard in
question.
D) A permanent variance,
depending on the circumstances, may be granted.
10) Compliance
A) All requirements of a physical nature
shall be complied with by January 1, 1986 for facilities existing in
1980.
B) Facilities constructed
after 1980 and those currently under construction must comply. However, if the
Department has previously given written approval for final architectural plans
for new construction or remodeling, new standards of a physical nature will not
be enforced.
C) Those
noncompliances relating to physical conditions which adversely affect the
treatment of children with respect to their health and safety may be considered
for further action under the provisions of the Unified Code of Corrections [730
ILCS 5/3-15 -2(b)].
